Known as the "southern gateway to the Yorkshire Dales", Skipton is an excellent destination for a full day of festive shopping.
The town's Christmas Market fills the high street with more than 100 stalls, offering seasonal food, gifts and festive entertainment. It's a great place to pick up presents while enjoying the lively atmosphere of a traditional Yorkshire market town.
For something a little different, the Skipton Canal Basin also hosts a Christmas artisan market on Sunday 6 December. This features independent makers, artwork, crafts, bakes and local produce.
You could combine the two locations for an especially rewarding shopping trip. And while you're there, don't forget to explore Skipton's independent shops and cafes.
Find out more about
Skipton Christmas Market and
Skipton Artisan Market.
3. Richmond Christmas Fair and Twilight Market
Just beyond the eastern edge of the Dales, Richmond offers a festive weekend worth adding to your itinerary.
The town's celebrations begin on Friday 27 November with a Christmas lights switch-on, carols, mulled wine and mince pies.
On Saturday 28 November, the Christmas Twilight Market brings stalls and seasonal atmosphere to the historic Market Place.
The weekend concludes with the Richmond Christmas Fair on Sunday 29 November from 10am to 4pm.
Expect independent traders, seasonal treats and a chance to explore one of North Yorkshire's most attractive historic towns. Richmond's castle and cobbled streets make it particularly appealing for visitors who enjoy combining Christmas shopping with sightseeing.
Find out more about
Richmond Christmas Fair and
Richmond Christmas Twilight Market.
4. Settle Christmas Artisan Market
For a more relaxed shopping experience, you could head to Settle in the southern Yorkshire Dales.
The Settle Christmas Artisan Market is scheduled for Sunday 13 December in the Market Place. The event promises independent traders selling handmade crafts, thoughtful gifts, artisan food and seasonal produce.
It's an appealing choice for anyone hoping to find unique personal gifts. Keep your eyes peeled for locally made decorations, edible gifts and other distinctive items for the stocking or the tree.
Settle is also a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. So, you could combine your market visit with a winter walk if the weather allows.
Find out more about
Settle Christmas Artisan Market.
5. Leyburn's Traditional Friday Market
Not every festive shopping trip needs a dedicated Christmas event. In Wensleydale, Leyburn offers a traditional Friday market that makes a lovely stop during a winter visit.
The market is scheduled for 4, 11 and 18 December 2026, with stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods, clothing and everyday essentials.
While it isn't exclusively a Christmas market, it's a good opportunity to buy ingredients for festive entertaining and discover products from local traders.
You could arrive in the morning for a browse, then warm up in one of Leyburn's cafes or pubs. The surrounding Wensleydale countryside also makes the town an appealing base for a festive weekend away.
Find out more about
Leyburn Market.
Christmas markets across the rest of Yorkshire
Beyond the Dales, Yorkshire hosts some spectacular city-centre Christmas markets.
- The famous
York Christmas Market runs from Wednesdays to Mondays between 12 November and 21 December, with traditional chalets, local crafts and festive treats.
- Leeds Christmas Markets take over City Square from 19 November to 23 December, with more than 60 retailers, street food and live entertainment.
- Sheffield Christmas Markets run from 12 November to 26 December, with festive cabins, seasonal food and family attractions.
Make Stump Cross Caverns part of your Christmas trip
